Wen stresses reform, rural democracy

Updated: 2012-02-05 19:00

GUANGZHOU - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has pledged to unwaveringly push forward opening-up and reform in the face of current challenges and difficulties, while calling for protection of farmers' rights to vote to improve rural community administration.

At a time of global uncertainties, furthering reform is still the only key to solving all problems, said Wen while visiting Guangdong, a southern province that took the lead in China's opening-up and reform, from Friday to Saturday.

"Opening-up and reform should be implemented unswervingly, or there will only be a dead end," said Wen, citing former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, who made a famous speech during his inspection tour of south China 20 years ago.

Wen called for determination and boldness to push forward reform and opening-up, making long-term reform and opening-up plans for certain areas in particular.

Wen highlighted the need to ensure farmers' voting rights and the direct election of village-level leadership, which he labeled an important task for local authorities.

He said self-governess is the only appropriate way for improving rural community administration, noting that local affairs should be decided by local villagers.

There should be a strict legal system and regulations for the election, as well as election procedures that are open, fair and transparent, he said.